Tokyo and Cunard’s Japan Circumnavigation
Cruise and Independent touring
TOKYO | MOUNT FUJI | YOKOHAMA | AOMORI | SAKAIMINATO | BUSSAN | NAGASAKI | SHIMIZU
Experience the neon-lit streets of Tokyo and the natural beauty of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko before you embark on a 9 night voyage on Cunard’s elegant Queen Elizabeth sailing around the main islands of Japan. You’ll sail to the north to see Aomori with its castles and cherry blossoms, to Nagasaki’s thought provoking Peace Park, and have a chance to enjoy one of Japan’s famous onsens in Sakaiminato. Venture to South Korea to the coastal city of Busan, before returning to Shimizu with to hopefully see majestic Mount Fuji before you arrive back to Yokohama.
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Your Itinerary
Day 1 : UK - Tokyo
Depart the UK to Tokyo.
Day 2 : Tokyo
A private transfer on arrival will take you to your Tokyo accommodation. Depending on which airport you arrive into, transfer times can be around 40 minutes to 2 hours. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Japan’s capital.
Day 3 : Tokyo
This morning, enjoy a full day tour of Tokyo’s sights by bus. Tick the main sights off your list including the Imperial Palace, Sensoji Temple and Meiji Shrine. See the skyline from the water on a bay cruise, and from the heights of the Tokyo Skytree.
Day 4 : Tokyo
A free day to experience more of Tokyo – perhaps take a trip to Japan’s ‘Food Town’ – the Tsukiji Outer Market for culinary delights, or venture to Kawagoe to step back in time to Edo-era Japan.
Day 5 : Mount Fuji and Kawaguchiko Lake
Today a day tour of the majestic Mount Fuji and Kawaguchiko Lake is included – travel from Tokyo by bus to the tranquil UNESCO World Heritage Site. Depart from Shinjuku station to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji, and also visit Oishi Park and Lake Kawaguchi. (Please note that views of Mount Fuji are weather dependent).
Day 6 : Tokyo – Yokohama
Make your own way to the cruise terminal in Yokohama to board Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth.
Day 7 : Yokohama
A relaxing day at sea to sample the delights of the ship.
Day 8 : Aomori
Your first port of call is Aomori. Savour natural landscapes and charming blend of modern architecture, sleepy fairytale castles and cherry blossoms.
Day 9 : A day at sea
A day at sea to explore the ship.
Day 10 : Sakaiminato
Arrive in Sakaiminato this morning, visiting Izumo Taisha’s grand shrine to marriage or enjoy an invigorating outdoor natural spa, bathing in the Kaike Onsen hot springs. There are also museums to explore, and the rare original Japanese Matsue Castle.
Day 11 : Busan
Today you arrive in Busan, South Korea. With a laid back, slower pace, there is an intriguing mix of culture, history and natural beauty to explore. Being a coastal city, there are a range of restaurants to enjoy ashore, with fresh local seafood being the main attraction.
Day 12 : Nagasaki
Experience Nagasaki today, the home of Japan’s first real contact with the West dating back to Portuguese explorers, and the first place in Japan that was opened to foreign trade. Take a trip to the Peace Park for a moment of serenity or visit the Confucian Shrine to see the Chinese influence.
Day 13 : At sea
A day at sea to have some fun on the Games Deck, or enjoy an afternoon tea aboard the Queen Elizabeth.
Day 14 : Shimizu
Today you will dock in Shimizu, a bustling modern port with ancient roots. You may be able to catch a glimpse of Fuji’s snow-capped cone here or start your day at the Sumpu Castle with its moats, stone walls and restored buildings transporting you back 400 years. You can also take the cable car to Mount Kunozan, to see the shrines and scenic views.
Day 15 : Tokyo – UK
Your cruise comes to an end today as you arrive back in Yokohama, and you make your own way back to the airport for your return flights to the UK.